NFL power rankings after the 2025 free agency period (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Philadelphia Eagles (1): The 2024 Eagles were impressive, rivaling the 2013 Seahawks as one of the best single-season squads of the 21st century. With the retention of All-Pro LB Zack Baun and promising young talent, the Eagles have a chance to sustain their success. Despite losing some key players, they remain a strong contender.
2. Buffalo Bills (3): The AFC runners-up have made significant moves, securing extensions for key players and adding talent like DE Joey Bosa and WR Josh Palmer. Their dominance in the AFC East is likely to continue, positioning them well for the playoffs.
3. Baltimore Ravens (4): The AFC North champions have kept their core intact and added DeAndre Hopkins to bolster their offense. While they showed flashes of brilliance last season, inconsistency remains a concern. With Lamar Jackson leading the way, the Ravens are a formidable force.
4. Los Angeles Rams (10): The Rams gave the Eagles a tough challenge in the playoffs and have strengthened their roster with the addition of QB Matthew Stafford and WR Davante Adams. With a solid core and veteran leadership, they are poised to be a contender in the NFC.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (2): The Chiefs have retained some key players but also suffered losses, notably on their offensive line. The team will need to address these weaknesses to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the league.
6. Washington Commanders (5): Washington has added experienced veterans to their roster in an effort to boost their championship prospects before QB Jayden Daniels cashes in. While their future draft picks may be affected, recent successes have shown that picks aren’t everything.
7. Detroit Lions (6): The NFC’s top seed in 2024 faces changes in coaching staff, which could impact their performance. The team will need to adapt to new leadership while maintaining their competitiveness on the field.
8. Green Bay Packers (8): Despite improvements in the regular season, the Packers faltered in the playoffs. They will need to address their shortcomings to make a deeper postseason run next year.
Green Bay is set up well in 2025, with a possible addition to their offensive arsenal, leading them to potentially reclaim the Titletown title. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFC South champions, have established themselves as a consistent team, notably with WR Chris Godwin’s choice to remain in Tampa over chasing a bigger payday elsewhere. The Los Angeles Chargers, though dealing with playoff disappointment, face concerns with talent leaving, especially in key positions like wide receiver and cornerback.
The San Francisco 49ers have a wide range of potential outcomes, relying on players like QB Brock Purdy, RB Christian McCaffrey, and WR Brandon Aiyuk for successful comebacks. The Seattle Seahawks, after a significant roster overhaul, will lean heavily on new QB Sam Darnold to maintain his Pro Bowl form. The Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings both have strong potential with the right supporting cast or quarterback, respectively.
The Arizona Cardinals, with their improved roster and the addition of Josh Sweat, could see further success if not for their tough division. The Chicago Bears have made key moves to boost their offense and defense, hoping to avoid past mistakes. The Denver Broncos’ new additions could make them a formidable team if they can stay healthy.
The Houston Texans face challenges with changes in their offense and the departure of key players, raising concerns about their future performance. The New England Patriots have made significant investments in free agents and have a top draft pick, with the potential for a quick turnaround under new head coach Mike Vrabel. The Dallas Cowboys rely on their star players to lead them back to the playoffs under rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
The Miami Dolphins, despite financial investments, face uncertainties as they navigate their roster and coaching staff.
The quarterback and No. 2 receiver have been plagued by injuries, while the standout WR1 can be otherworldly but occasionally moody. This situation resembles the Bengals but with a softer, less intimidating approach. The Atlanta Falcons have the most expensive backup quarterback, which defeats the purpose of having a rookie QB1 on a team. The Carolina Panthers have seen improvement in QB Bryce Young’s performance, raising hopes for a potential playoff run in 2025. The Jacksonville Jaguars may be on the rise under rookie head coach Liam Coen, especially if he can replicate the success he had with Baker Mayfield. The New York Jets are banking on new QB Justin Fields to stabilize their offense or position them well for drafting Arch Manning in 2026. Uncertainty looms over the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation, while the Cleveland Browns are also searching for stability at the position. The Indianapolis Colts face a similar dilemma with their quarterback outlook. The New Orleans Saints seem to be making lateral moves in the offseason, raising questions about their trajectory since Drew Brees retired. The Las Vegas Raiders have undergone significant changes with new ownership, management, and a quarterback, but the impact remains to be seen. The Tennessee Titans’ road to relevance appears long, whether they select QB Cam Ward in the upcoming draft or not. Lastly, the New York Giants face challenges in their quest for relevance, regardless of their draft decisions. Stay updated on all NFL news by subscribing to USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.
